1.14 Reformation in England
Henry VIII was impelled to quarrel with the Papacy owing to the desire to dissolve his marriage with Catherine of Aragon. He also wanted to prevent the interference of foreign powers in the national and international affairs of the country. By initiating the Reformation, Henry VIII intended to change the organization of the Church, its doctrines and methods regarding worship. The doctrines and practices of Luther and Calvin arose only later. Historically Henry VIII was the first to resist the Catholic Church.
Mary undid all of Henry’s reformation. She secured the reconciliation
of England to Rome. She married a Stuart Catholic and tried to enforce
Catholicism on English people. Her successor, Elizabeth maintained
the compromise policy i.e., she combined the principles of both
faiths and established the "Anglican Church." She personally
supported the Protestant movement in Europe.
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